The Irish Times quotes an Irish Daily Star statement saying: “As a result of the publication on 15 September 2012, issues arose with the shareholders of Independent Star Limited.

“Having considered those issues in tandem with Mr O’Kane, it is Mr O’Kane’s decision to resign as editor of the Irish Daily Star, effective immediately.”

The statement also insisted that O’Kane had been highly professional and followed all the newspaper’s editorial policies and guidelines, according to the Irish Times.

The statement concluded: “Independent Star Limited thanks Michael O'Kane for his valued service and wishes him the very best in the next chapter of his career in the media, which we are certain will be long and fruitful.”